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"When believers identify themselves with an icon, that is idolatry. And we bear responsibility for this, for we encourage idolatry by hawking around saints' relics to fill church collection boxes."

Bishop Theoklitos, of Ioannina, criticizing his Greek Orthodox church for exploiting the "paganistic, sick faith" of its members.

"Anyone who used isolated examples of excessive behavior to condemn adoration and remove icons from our faith and our Church would definitely be veering toward Protestantism."

Archbishop Christodoulos, Head of the Greek Orthodox Church, criticizing Theoklitos's comments.

"Not being religious is similar to any other shortsighted, risky and impulsive behavior that some men—primarily young males—engage in, such as assault, robbery, burglary, murder and rape."

Rodney Stark, University of Washington sociologist, who argues that men are not religiously committed because of physiology, not socialization.

Sources: Kathimerini, The Toronto Star, University of Washington

Copyright © 2002 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Stories referenced above include:

Why are men less religious?—University of Washington press release (Dec. 18, 2002)

Iconoclastic bishop rapped—Kathimerini (Dec. 10, 2002)

See Christianity Today's Quotation Marks from January, December, November, October, September, August, July, June, May, April, and March.

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February 2003, Vol. 47, No. 2